The Old Man stood by the riverbank, fishing with a rod that had no bait.
The wind was sharp, and the river rippled.
This place seemed exceptionally tranquil, unlike the unrest elsewhere in the Palace of the Sea.
"You won't catch any fish without bait," Xu Zimo said calmly as he descended from the steps.
"Isn't the bait here now?" the Old Man said meaningfully.
As soon as he finished speaking, the fishing rod in his hand began to shake.
Splash, splash.
Countless fish in the river seemed to have gone mad as they lunged for the Old Man's fishing rod.
The once-calm river surface instantly churned with raging waves. These fish had shown no warning at all, as though the fishing rod possessed some peculiar charm.
With a flick of his right hand, more than a dozen fish instantly flew out of the river.
His movements were clearly deft and practiced. A grill was swiftly set up by the riverbank, and the fish were placed upon it to roast.
From time to time, he added seasonings as well.
The Old Man sat on a rock by the riverbank, utterly unconcerned that the river water had soaked his clothes.
Once the fish were cooked, he tossed several to Xu Zimo first.
He smiled. "When a friend comes from afar, is it not a joy?"
Then the Old Man began eating by himself. He opened his mouth, and more than a dozen fish went down his throat in one go.
As he ate, Xu Zimo heard him say, "This river runs directly into Immortal Island.
"Within Immortal Island is a super major power, the Hundred Nether Sect, which produces golden fish.
"They insist on releasing the golden fish, letting them swim along this river into our Palace of the Sea."
Hearing